The sermon explores the biblical narrative of Jonah to illustrate God's sovereign mercy and the futility of human rebellion against His will. By comparing Jonah's three days in the fish to Christ's resurrection, the text highlights Jesus as the ultimate sign and Savior who calms the storms of judgment. The preacher emphasizes that salvation is entirely of the Lord, demonstrated by the repentance of the wicked Ninevites which displeased Jonah but pleased God. This contrast reveals that God's compassion extends even to enemies, challenging believers to abandon selfishness and embrace His universal grace. Ultimately, the message calls for a posture of gratitude and service rather than judgment toward those whom God saves.

The sermon explores the incomprehensible and measureless nature of God's love as revealed in Scripture and exemplified by the hymn 'The Love of God.' It contrasts human, often selfish affection with God's sacrificial love demonstrated through the death of Jesus Christ for sinners. The preacher emphasizes that because God is love, His justice and anger are rooted in righteousness, yet His primary attribute remains a constant, enduring care for humanity. Believers are called to respond to this divine love with obedience and by reflecting it to others, even amidst personal trials and suffering. Ultimately, the message encourages reliance on this unchanging love as the foundation for faith, forgiveness, and spiritual growth.

The God who claimed you for Himself is working Christlikeness in you through His lowly ministers as they challenge you to live out the freedom of the Law of Christ. - You should know that you are free in Christ to give yourself away in committed love for God and others (6:16b; Genesis 2:23–24; Malachi 2:15; Matthew 19:5–6; Ephesians 5:28–33). - You should know that you are not free in Christ to embrace selfishly using others (6:15–16a). - You should know that you are free in Christ to experience Christ's life in you (6:17).

The sermon explores the call to Christian unity and humility as found in Philippians 2:1-4, emphasizing that true fellowship with the Holy Spirit and consolation in Christ should motivate believers to reject selfish ambition. The preacher argues that knowledge must be tempered by love and compassion to prevent arrogance and division within the church body. By examining the theological foundations of grace and mercy, the message highlights how God's prior work in a believer's life serves as the basis for imitating Christ's humble service. The text underscores the importance of holding to doctrinal truth while maintaining a heart of lowliness that esteems others above oneself. Ultimately, the sermon urges the congregation to cultivate a unified spirit characterized by mutual care and shared purpose rather than personal promotion.

Discover why boasting in the cross of Christ is essential in The Marks That Matter Part 2, a powerful Galatians 6:11-18 expository sermon. In the conclusion of his letter to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul issues an urgent defense of the true gospel against the distortion of legalism. He exposes the selfish motivations of false teachers while highlighting the genuine care of a true spiritual shepherd. This text reminds believers that salvation is entirely the work of God by grace through faith, apart from any human achievement. The ultimate test of a believer's spiritual condition is revealed by where they place their boasting. A genuine Christian recognizes that external religious rituals mean nothing unless a person has been made a new creation in Christ. We are called to die to the evil world system and find our sole glory in the redemptive work of the Savior on the cross. Paul also points to his own suffering as authentic marks of his devotion to the Lord Jesus. As the church navigates doctrinal error and deception, we must rely completely on the authority of Scripture and the grace of Christ. Key Biblical Takeaways: - Salvation is entirely of the Lord; believers boast only in the cross of Christ, not in human wisdom or works. - True conversion brings a dual death: the believer is dead to the world, and the world is dead to the believer. - External rituals cannot save; the mark of a genuine Christian is being made a new creation by God. - Faithful service to Christ often involves suffering, a true mark of devotion unlike the motives of false teachers.

Another directive of the Lord Jesus says, "judge righteous judgment." It's judgment empty of selfishness, fleshliness, or self-serving thoughts. It's wise, godly and necessary judgment. After Jesus says, "judge not" he proceeds to say, "beware of false prophets." That cannot be done apart from "righteous judgment." This message identifies seven judgments believers must make. It leads us back to "Christ and Him Crucified."

Colossians 1:16 "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:"